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Posts Tagged ‘MELECHESH’

Interview With Frontman/Founder Ashmedi

By Peter Atkinson

If there’s been one constant for self-proclaimed “Sumerian Thrashing Black Metal/Mesopotamian Metal” quartet Melechesh over the past 20-some years, it’s been change. Well actually that and frontman/guitarist/band leader Ashmedi, who has been along for the ride since Melechesh – which translates roughly as “king of fire” – formed in the early ’90s in Jerusalem.

The band relocated to Amsterdam in 1998 due, in part, to conflicts with authorities over religious grounds – it probably didn’t help that Melechesh titled their 1996 debut album As Jerusalem Burns…Al’Intisar. Ever since, there has been a steady stream of bassists and drummers in and out of the band’s ranks – including Absu’s Proscriptor McGovern for six-year stretch.

Intellectual pursuits have been at the root of some of the lineup changes, along with the typical musical or personal differences. Original drummer Lord Curse moved to the United States to continue his art studies and later went to work at George (“Star Wars”) Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic. Long-time guitarist Moloch had to take a studio-only role as he pursued his doctorate in political science, also in the United States.

But all the turmoil hasn’t done much to stand in Ashmedi’s – and by extension Melechesh’s – way. After four ever-better received albums that spread the band’s name and unconventional, Eastern-flavored extreme metal around the world, Melechesh signed on with Nuclear Blast, which further bolstered their profile with 2010’s Epigenesis. The band’s sixth and latest album, Enki, which saw Lord Curse return to supply the drum tracks after 15 years away, was just released.

Via e-mail, from his new home base in Germany, Ashmedi offered the following about the band’s unique set of circumstances and evolution, their new album and the great group of guest musicians who appear on it, and how more change is likely inevitable for Melechesh. Read the rest of this entry »

Mesopotamian thrashing black metal pioneers MELECHESH return this winter with their sixth full-length album! On February 27th (EU), March 2nd (UK) and 10th (US) 2015 MELECHESH will release Enki, the follow-up to their 2010 masterpiece The Epigenesis. With this deep and personal album, filled with metaphor and spiritual/philosophical references, MELECHESH are yet again ready to spread their sonic magic and enlightened revelations to the cosmos! Pre-order your copy here: http://smarturl.it/MELECHESH-Enki-NB

With the release of their sixth album scheduled for 2014 via Nuclear Blast, Sumerian Black/Thrash Metal pioneers MELECHESH, present an interview with mainman Ashmedi. The interview, which was featured on Canadian TV show “The Cool Guy Files”, was conducted in 2011 while MELECHESH was on tour in North America. You can watch the entire episode with Ashmedi at the following link: http://youtu.be/5iZLVw7NTAc.

Fernandes Guitars and Ashmedi of Mesopotamian thrashing black metal pioneers MELECHESH, have collaborated to present the very unique Vortex Scimitar 12-string electric guitar! This is arguably the first mass produced electric 12-string in a V shape, offering a whole new approach to composing extreme metal and music in general.

“The first time I played a 12-string I noticed that I could compose MELECHESH tracks differently,” commented vocalist/guitarist/mastermind Ashmedi. “New ideas started popping up and basically the 12-string opened a ton of new musical dimensions to me. I was very glad when Fernandes took on this adventurous endeavour and made it a reality. The octave sounds are subtle and great when playing power chords, single notes and fast riffing. To an extent, you get a feeling of a storm or an orchestra accompanying you when playing the Scimitar. Hopefully this will open up some new musical ideas in the extreme metal scene.”

Check out the video clip for the song “Grand Gathas Of Baal Sin” from their most recent masterpiece The Epigenesis. The clip was shot at the cisterns in Istanbul, Turkey in late 2010 by Canadian director Rouzbeh Heydari and produced by Tumay Irgas. Check out the clip at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O5D0A-YHxg

The Epigenesis, was recorded in the newly built first class Babajim Studios in Istanbul, Turkey. The album was mixed by Reuben de Lautour and mastered by Pieter Snapper. In an unprecedented move in metal, the band chose to record the album entirely in Istanbul in an attempt to capture the inspiring surroundings. Babajim Studios is run by some of the most elite sound engineers in Turkey.

AMSTERDAM – Veteran black metal act, Melechesh, will be joined by session bass player, Scorpios, of the American black metal band, Crimson Moon. Scorpios has been residing in Germany for several years, and he will arrive in Amsterdam on Tuesday for intensive rehearsal sessions.

His first show will be April 20th – Melechesh live in UAE Dubai’s Holy Noise metal event. This will mark Melechesh’s second live show in Dubai, after performing at Sand Storm Festival in 2009.

As reported earlier, Melechesh will be releasing a digital EP entitled ‘Mystics of the Pillars II.’ The band has now revealed that the EP will also be made available on 7“ vinyl!

You can now follow Melechesh’sfounding member, guitarist and vocalist, Ashmedi, on Twitter @ashmedi for some personal and candid posts.

Masters of Sumerian blackened thrash metal, MELECHESH, have announced to release an exclusive digital EP entitled Mystics Of The Pillar II. The EP will contain the following tracks and will be released April 27 in Europe and on May 1 in the US.

Commented mainman and vocalist/guitarist Ashmedi: “We recorded two different ending version of ‘Mystics of the Pillar’ – this one changes tempo and picks up steam. Why? Because we felt like it, a song with two different endings is not too common in this day and age. Last minute we chose one to be included on the album, thus the second version was not mixed and mastered till a much later date. We also decided to release a couple of instrumental versions to our songs, namely ‘The Epigenesis’ title track which is a 12-13 minute epic and Sacred Geometry both are multi faceted and work perfect just as instrumental works. We actually have an instrumental version of the entire album mixed and mastered so enjoy these couple of tracks.“

Check out the video clip for the song “Grand Gathas Of Baal Sin” from their most recent masterpiece The Epigenesis. The clip was shot at the cisterns in Istanbul, Turkey in late 2010 by Canadian director Rouzbeh Heydari and produced by Tumay Irgas. Check out the clip at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O5D0A-YHxg

The Epigenesis was recorded in the newly built first class Babajim Studios in Istanbul, Turkey. The album was mixed by Reuben de Lautour and mastered by Pieter Snapper. In an unprecedented move in metal, the band chose to record the album entirely in Istanbul in an attempt to capture the inspiring surroundings. Babajim Studios is run by some of the most elite sound engineers in Turkey.

Mesopotamian thrashing black metal pioneers MELECHESH have returned home after their first ever tour of North America as direct support to ROTTING CHRIST! Joining them were polish death metallers HATE, as well as ABIGAIL WILLIAMS and LECHEROUS NOCTURNE! Vocalist/guitarist Ashmedi offered the following tour wrap up:

“We have recently completed our North American tour, which took us all over the place and over several climates. From snow filled mountains and ice cold weather to the pure summer heat of deserts and beaches. We met also a lot of interesting people. From rap gangsters, to crazy fanatic Christians (who seem to hate soup kitchen operators, motor mouth women, sport fanatics), to pastor’s kids who do not seem to know where Jerusalem is, to rednecks who were rather funny and nice, to a haunted venue and its “ghosts(?)”. It was a pure pleasure to meet our fans, friends and supporters in North America. We thank you all for the warm reception and enthusiasm . You made us hungry for more!

We would like to thank Gerardo and Nuclear Blast records USA for making this tour possible as well as our brothers in ROTTING CHRIST, HATE, ABIGAILWILLIAMS and LECHEROUSNOCTURNE. Last but certainly not least our crew Vikki, Spud, Jeff, Yannis and Tim.”

MELECHESH recently released the highly anticipated video clip for the song “Grand Gathas Of Baal Sin” from their most recent masterpiece The Epigenesis. The clip was shot at the cisterns in Istanbul, Turkey in late 2010 by Canadian director Rouzbeh Heydari and produced by Tumay Irgas. Check out the clip at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O5D0A-YHxg

The Epigenesis was recorded in the newly built first class Babajim Studios in Istanbul, Turkey. The album was mixed by Reuben de Lautour and mastered by Pieter Snapper. In an unprecedented move in metal, the band chose to record the album entirely in Istanbul in an attempt to capture the inspiring surroundings. Babajim Studios is run by some of the most elite sound engineers in Turkey.
For more info visit: www.melechesh.com | www.facebook.com/melechesh | www.nuclearblast.de/melechesh

NILE, Melechesh

@ O2 Islington Academy, London

13 February 2011

Review by Danny Draper

Trying to find to the O2 Academy was a bit of fun; I have never been before and didn’t realise that it’s pretty much inside a shopping centre!

Once I had arrived on this cold wet night, I was shocked to find out that three of the bands were not performing, due to a travel mishap on the way to the venue. But, in my opinion, two of the best bands had made it!

Mesopotamian thrashing black metal pioneers MELECHESH have released the highly anticipated video clip for the song “Grand Gathas Of Baal Sin” from their most recent masterpiece The Epigenesis.

Commented mainman Ashmedi: “Finally the video clip for ‘Grand Gathas of Baal Sin’ is ready. It was not an easy process but worth the effort. We are very proud of this clip and we consider our collaboration with Rouzbeh to be very positive.”

The clip was shot at the cisterns in Istanbul, Turkey in late 2010 by Canadian director Rouzbeh Heydari and produced byTumay Irgas.

The Epigenesis was recorded in the newly built first class Babajim Studios in Istanbul, Turkey. The album was mixed by Reuben de Lautour and mastered by Pieter Snapper. In an unprecedented move in metal, the band chose to record the album entirely in Istanbul in an attempt to capture the inspiring surroundings. Babajim Studios is run by some of the most elite sound engineers in Turkey.

As always, the top albums are for releases from 2010 that are full albums (no EP’s or demos). They also have to be new studio albums for 2010, not re-recordings, re-releases, cover songs, or live material. Below the combined TOP 30 are links to each staff members personal "best of" lists which besides the top albums contains such things as best new band, best DVD/Blu-Ray, disappointments of 2010, greatest hopes for 2011, personal metal discovery of 2010, and various other metal-related categories. Enjoy!

The Top 30 Heavy Metal Albums of 2010

(Click the album cover to read our review.

If no review is available the link it to the band’s MySpace page.)

1. Accept – Blood of the Nations

Wolf Hoffman’s reaction to the band’s #1 placement in our list was:

"Sensational!!! We are so happy about this reaction by the fans. This last year has been nothing short of phenomenal for Accept."

BLOOD OF THE NATIONS is a fantastic album, so fantastic that it very easily came out on top when we compiled our best of 2010 list! In the media, producer Andy Sneap said when he worked with the band he made them go back and listen to the 80’s albums, and it worked. Accept have delivered the album they needed to make. Accept reformed with a vocalist who is just as good as Udo Dirkschneider. Vocalist Mark Tornillo rages through the songs with power and charisma, without being a clone. Accept have proven to the world in 2010 they are still relevant, powerful, uncompromising and most of all entertaining. Welcome back!

2. Blind Guardian – At the Edge of Time

Easily the best and strongest Blind Guardian album since NIGHTFALL IN MIDDLE-EARTH with a maximum of variety and everything that has turned these guys from Krefeld into what they are today: one of Germany’s most successful and influential metal bands. With AT THE EDGE OF TIME, Blind Guardian returned to the fold in total triumph. This is an album to be enjoyed for numerous repeat listens. Newer fans should eat it up, and older fans should be appeased with the band’s renewed emphasis on their thrashy roots.

3. Ratt– Infestation

Ratt is Metal. Always have been and likely always will be. From their appearance on the very first Metal Massacre compilation in 1981 alongside the likes of Metallica, Malice, and Bitch, to the new 2010 album, Ratt have always been among the heaviest of the so-called "hair metal" bands. So despite what the revisionists may think, Ratt have a firm spot in the development and evolution of the Heavy Metal genre and have earned their spot in this year’s list. Sonically the Ratt Pack is back! The band had stated they wanted a real up-tempo record and distinctly aimed for the classic sound. They nailed it. It’s all there, the swagger and slight sneer of Pearcy voice, the fluid and fiery soloing of DeMartini’s axe-work, the complimentary work of Cavazo…it’s a beautiful thing to behold!

4. Triptykon – Eparistera Daimones

Thomas Gabriel Fischer (AKA Tom G. Warrior) has nothing to prove to anyone. As the principal architect behind Hellhammer and Celtic Frost, Fischer’s body of work is the reason that many bands exist today. Two years since Celtic Frost’s very public dissolution, Fischer could have easily opted to rest on his laurels and bask in the afterglow of his evil legacy, but nooooo. To the contrary, Fischer has assembled a new band and recorded an album of new material that’s arguably some of the best in his career. Triptykon is the band, EPARISTERA DAIMONES is the album, and yes – it’s as good as Fischer has promised it to be!

5. Melechesh – The Epigenesis

Black/Death/Middle Eastern "Mesopotamian Metal" extremists made a big impact this year. Originally from IsraHELL and now based out of the Netherlands, the band has been around in some form since 1993. That Melechesh are able to maintain the album’s early momentum through to the record’s dying moments makes what they have achieved with THE EPIGENESIS that much more remarkable. Unlike so much of what passes for modern-day extremity, every one of this disc’s eleven tracks bristles with its own identity and design. It will demand a lot of attention – this definitely isn’t the record to whip out at your next kegger – but the rewards far outweigh the investment. Absolutely superb in every way.

6. Helloween – 7 Sinners

Helloween are very comfortable right now. They are back on a major label, the line-up has been stable for probably the longest stretch in the bands history, and they have fallen into a great pattern of releasing a studio album every couple of years (right around Halloween naturally). Relaxed, confident and mature the band have nothing to prove but instead of delivering a complacent record, the band have delivered the fastest, heaviest album of their career. It’s their 26th release over and 13th full-length studio album of all-new, original material. Lucky #13 for the band sees a crowning achievement with 13 killer cuts spread across the hour. Helloween have delivered a masterpiece. It will quickly silence all the fans who couldn’t stomach UNARMED from earlier this year.

7. OverKill – Ironbound

The veteran New Jersey boys return with a compelling slab of unmistakeably old school thrash that is tinged with a fine mix of groove, progressiveness and melody that separates Overkill from the multitudes of carbon-copy thrashers out there. This is modern thrash the way it should be played: roots in the 80s but with its direction and ambition befitting a metal scene on the cusp of its 30-year anniversary. It’s a beautiful thing to behold: while most of their contemporaries have split up or sold out, Overkill are still doing their thing, updating and improving but never forgetting where they came from.

8. Nevermore – The Obsidian Conspiracy

Five years – that’s how long Nevermore made us wait for a sequel to the still awe-inspiring THIS GODLESS ENDEAVOUR. By modern-day standards that’s an absolute eternity, the length of which only the likes of Slayer or Metallica could reasonably be expected to get away with. Regardless of delay, the album is a perfect example of heavy metal in its purest, most intelligent and provocative form. As always the band defies classification with elements of power, thrash, prog, blended together into a mixture that is uniquely Nevermore.

9. Sabaton – Coat of Arms

Sweden’s war metallers, Sabaton, have been consistently moving to the forefront of the power metal movement in the last few years. COAT OF ARMS continues Sabaton’s fine tradition of power metal with bite. The band is in fine form throughout and do not disappoint. You listen to a Sabaton album for the pounding marches (“Uprising”) the fast assaults (“Midway”, “Screaming Eagles”), and the catchy hooks and choruses (every damn song!) and COAT OF ARMS has it all!

10. Halford – IV – Made of Metal

Finally! Halford was really overdue. Despite having a skeleton of a catalog, Halford really needed to put some meat on the bones of his solo career. MADE OF METAL is really only the third studio album of all new material in over 10 years. Sure the catalog looks impressive but in reality, live albums, demo albums, EP’s, digital only live albums and novelty Christmas albums are just filler. Halford needed to deliver the goods and we’re pleased to say he is still made of Metal. The album clocks in at a whopping 14 tracks at over an hour it is his longest solo album to date.

Mesopotamian thrashing black metal pioneers MELECHESH are currently headed for Istanbul, Turkey to shoot the music video for the track “Grand Gathas Of Baal Sin”. The song comes from the bands brand new masterpiece The Epigenesis and will be shot by Canadian director Rouzbeh Heydari. Director of cinematography and producer are Emin Murat Kılıç and Tumay Irgas.

Commented mainman Ashmedi: “We decided to film in Istanbul in order to capitalize on the suitable and real scenery and avoid a greenscreen, the location is surreal. Choosing to film in Istanbul also keeps us in line with The Epigenesis photo shoot and recording which were both done here. Rouzbeh, the director, flew in from Canada today and the whole band will arrive tonight. Friday we will do some pre production, Saturday and Sunday we will be shooting in two different locations. We chose ‘Grand Gathas of Baal Sin’ because it has all of the desired elements; speed, thrashiness, aggression, mysticism and middle eastern ritualistic beats and parts.”

MELECHESH will be direct support to ROTTING CHRIST on their tour next March/April 2011. Joining them will be polish death metallers HATE, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, and LECHEROUS NOCTURNE. Reduced service charge tickets are now available through EnterTheVault.com.

The Epigenesis was recorded in the newly built first class Babajim Studios in Istanbul, Turkey. The album was mixed by Reuben de Lautour and mastered by Pieter Snapper. In an unprecedented move in metal, the band chose to record the album entirely in Istanbul in an attempt to capture the inspiring surroundings. Babajim Studios is run by some of the most elite sound engineers in Turkey.

The artwork (attached) to their long awaited 5th album was handled by renowned UK based occult artist John Coulthart, whom the band has previously collaborated with before.

The Epigenesis was released on October 1st in Europe and on October 26th in North America via Nuclear Blast Records.

Guitarist/vocalist Ashmedi of Mesopotamian blackened thrash pioneers MELECHESH, has issued the final instalment of several track by track explanations of songs from their forthcoming album. The Epigenesis was released on October 1st in Europe and on October 26th in North America via Nuclear Blast Records.

10. A Greater Chain of Being

“This is an instrumental with traditional near eastern instruments. This music represents sufi music or ancient eastern classical music. This is not very common in mainstream society and in the middle east it is considered underground! It is profound and spiritual and meant for you to confront yourself while meditating or tripping. We have done such compositions in the past because we feel close to them. It is another dimension of MELECHESH. Many of our audiences asked us to compose more songs like this because they do not have access to such music. It was a treat to oblige, even though we would have done it in either case. Turn the lights off, computer off, phone off and go on a trip.”

11. The Epigenesis

“Some have called it one of our most accomplished songs performed with 12 string electric guitars. Some have called it a journey into the world of MELECHESH. Some called it MELECHESH in psychedelic mode. I call it another song, albeit self indulgent. We did not want to make a demo for this track, but rather develop it during several writing sessions often lasting into the morning hours. We wanted the listener to feel as if they were right there with us in the rehearsal room. The guitar leads were improvised and it gave an impromptu feel to the song. Leads were recorded late at night without an agenda. The hallways of the studio doubled as reverb outlets . Yes the reverbs in this song were ‘handmade’ by putting a microphone in the hallway to pick up the distant and echo sound of our guitars. Many things happened while recording this song that made it all work like a perfectly built puzzle. You can hear elaborate middle eastern melodies, heavy metal, thrash metal and psychedelic rock all in the same track. The longest track we have ever written. One verse in our lyrics refers to all our album titles. A very interesting concept for us. This is the testimony of The Epigenesis.”

MELECHESH have made the track “Grand Gathas Of Baal Sin” available for streaming on their Myspace page www.myspace.com/Melechesh. The track comes from the bands new album The Epigenesis.
The Epigenesis was recorded in the newly built first class Babajim Studios in Istanbul, Turkey. The album was mixed by Reuben de Lautour and mastered by Pieter Snapper. In an unprecedented move in metal, the band chose to record the album entirely in Istanbul in an attempt to capture the inspiring surroundings. Babajim Studios is run by some of the most elite sound engineers in Turkey.

The artwork (attached) to their long awaited 5th album was handled by renowned UK based occult artist John Coulthart, whom the band has previously collaborated with before.

Guitarist/vocalist Ashmedi of Mesopotamian blackened thrash pioneers MELECHESH, has issued the fourth of several track by track explanations of songs from their forthcoming album. The Epigenesis was released on October 1st in Europe and on October 26th in North America via Nuclear Blast Records.

8. Illumination – The Face of Shamash

“This was the first song written for this album. As soon as I had the demo in my hands I sighed in relief. This was the beginning; the first stone in the sonic ziggurat known as The Epigenesis. I recorded several Tibetan monk types of chanting. The song goes into a blast beat while the drum pedals still maintain one of the middle eastern drum counts. It’s an aggressive song yet it still offers breaks with mid eastern melodies. The lyrics relate to my hallucinating but enlightening encounter with the Mesopotamian sun god Shamash. A lot of metaphors here! In the mid east shams means sun in Arabic and Shemesh means the same thing in Hebrew. The songs builds up to a very dramatic and epic ending. We tried this live last February. It had no title and no lyrics. Now we look forward to taking this song to the stage with a proud title and insane singing.”

9. Negative Theology

“How can I describe this? Many jump to conclusions before understanding the concept. Is theology negative? I say often it is. The principle of it is to provide people with a set of guidelines and hopes which is not so bad. But when looking at the amounts of dead people due to it you have to think! But regardless of this issue, does the song title refer to this? I answer no. Negative theology actually is a system of negating what is NOT divine, with the hopes of discovering the divine in the end. This is a thinking system used in every belief! We used it for discovering the actions of the Annunaki or any creators if there are any! This song was done with 12 string guitars and has very technical drumming and dynamics. The song offers some neck breaking black metal rhythms. I composed this song at the same time I was on a HEAVEN AND HELL high. Coincidentally and fatefully I was doing the vocals in the studio when I was interrupted and was told DIO had passed away. I could not work anymore that day so I got a drink and then I tried to record some vocals as a tribute. It was hard. So we stopped the session after a few hours and called it a night.”

Guitarist/vocalist Ashmedi of Mesopotamian blackened thrash pioneers MELECHESH, has issued the third of several track by track explanations of songs from their forthcoming album. The Epigenesis was released on October 1st in Europe and will be made available on October 26th in North America via Nuclear Blast Records.

6. When Halos of Candles Collide (Instrumental)

“A perfectly placed instrumental gives the album a new a dimension. This composition reminds me of indian ragas. The piece starts with an acoustic indian sitar, a very mystical sounding instrument. It felt natural to play and was much needed to make this piece complete. The middle part is performed with a 12 string electric guitar which sounds very vintage. Moloch and I mused on the idea to have indian sounding scales, he then recorded a demo for this piece which sounded monumental. We decided to use it. I added other cosmetic 12 string guitars and the electric guitar/sitar hybrid. The piece gradually decends into the sitar again. Perfect for meditation and reflection. And a sure needed breather prior to the following track!”

7. Defeating the Giants

“This song starts with a raw old school guitar riff and a sitar melody. The sitar gives the impression of a rational transition after the previous intrumental. The first two riffs of the song were written circa 1995 -1996 back in Jerusalem. We never thought of using them, not until now at least. When I heard some old reherasal tapes from that era I had the main two riffs accompnaied by drums and I was impressed. The middle part and bridges are different very dynamic, with intense yet logical drum rolls then a neck breaking beat with almost bending decending notes. The song returns to its intensity and what I particularly like is the way it ends. Rather than a crash hit there is an ice bell hit. It is very difinitive and represents the end of a banishing ritual. This ice bell has a lot of history with us. It is featured on all ABSU albums but the last and on all MELECHESH albums aside from the first. The silk lanes of Hena, Labrynth map, tell us the tale of ego and loss!”

MELECHESH have made the track “Grand Gathas Of Baal Sin” available for streaming on their Myspace page www.myspace.com/Melechesh. The track comes from the bands new album The Epigenesis.
The Epigenesis was recorded in the newly built first class Babajim Studios in Istanbul, Turkey. The album was mixed by Reuben de Lautour and mastered by Pieter Snapper. In an unprecedented move in metal, the band chose to record the album entirely in Istanbul in an attempt to capture the inspiring surroundings. Babajim Studios is run by some of the most elite sound engineers in Turkey.

The artwork (attached) to their long awaited 5th album was handled by renowned UK based occult artist John Coulthart, whom the band has previously collaborated with before.

Guitarist/vocalist Ashmedi of Mesopotamian blackened thrash pioneers MELECHESH, has issued the first of several track by track explanations of songs from their forthcoming album. The Epigenesis was released on October 1st in Europe and will be made available on October 26th in North America via Nuclear Blast Records.

3. Sacred Geometry

“The meaning of Sacred Geometry refers to the idea that the cosmos although chaotic has a sense of order and defining geometry i.e. crystalline elements. Even the symbol of chaos is Geometric! Shapes and patterns make existence of the real and surreal possible! Many divine structures or spiritual temples have been built on this principle! Even Pythagoras elaborated on this matter. He discovered thatstopping half way through the length of an oscillating string produced an octave relative to the string’s fundamental, basically a higher version of the same note, while a ratio of 2:3 produces a perfect fifth and 3:4 produces a perfect fourth. Pythagoreans believed that these harmonic ratios gave music powers of healing which could ‘harmonize’ an out-of-balance body.

Symbolically, lyrically and musically this song is sacred Geometry. The main riff, which sounds very catchy and serpentine eastern, is based on a physical geometrical pattern but also has octaves and fifths! The lyrics deal with the Annunaki and their message to the sons of Sumer (Humans). I did a line of clean vocals there which seemed expressive and suitable. Plus we formed a choir with the band members a couple of friends. 3 ladies then came to do the female parts abstractly in the background. This song is a perfect circle!”

4. The Magickan and the Drones

“This song has more of a black thrash apporach yet has epic parts such as the intro and outro as well as the middle. The intro, which is a semi acoustic vintage sounding electric guitar, was improvised while I was in a project strudio in Rotterdam. It has a desolate feel that sets the mood. A calm before the storm type of scenario! The explosive riffs set a ritualistic mood and proveribal prologue. Then the song goes on full throtle. The lyrics have a dual meanings. The mythological mystical ones but also another one. This song to me represents the perfection of black/thrash metal and gracefully adds rock elements! The outro layers several elements, guitars that sound like ancient horns (thanks to some vintage amps) while the ritualistc riff goes on. It sounds very apocalyptic . THIS IS YOUR ANECDOTE!”

5. Mystics of the Pillar

“This is one of the songs that we tend to call ritualistic. Deeply rooted in mid eastern sounds. This song is hypnotic and serpent like! It was written on 12 string electric guitar and was also recorded with this guitar. However we also had string in the background to maintain a cohesive sound through out the album. There are two versions of this song, both have entirely different endings. We choose one for the album. We don’t know where and if the other will resurface. I am confident it will though. The title refers to mystics who dedicate their lives to meditation and to reach their spiritual goals they meditate on pillars for isolation and symbolic spiritual elevation. The lyrics are not straight forward and do have subliminal meanings. Very last note while the guitar tone is fading you hear a noise from the guitars. I felt like shouting/coughing on the guitar pickup. It was spontaeous but we wanted to keep it as it had a subtle charm. Middle part has a the Yaleli Tanbour by Cahit Berkay (of the 60’s Anatolian rock band MOGOLLAR; still active). Plus Harun Kolcak is a well known singer in Turkey and did the eastern vocal ornamentaions while I was basically speaking in tongues on that part.“

MELECHESH have made the track “Grand Gathas Of Baal Sin” available for streaming on their Myspace page www.myspace.com/Melechesh. The track comes from the bands new album The Epigenesis.
The Epigenesis was recorded in the newly built first class Babajim Studios in Istanbul, Turkey. The album was mixed by Reuben de Lautour and mastered by Pieter Snapper. In an unprecedented move in metal, the band chose to record the album entirely in Istanbul in an attempt to capture the inspiring surroundings. Babajim Studios is run by some of the most elite sound engineers in Turkey.

The artwork (attached) to their long awaited 5th album was handled by renowned UK based occult artist John Coulthart, whom the band has previously collaborated with before.